How to Add Neon Custom Lighting to a Car

Neon custom lighting makes a bold and distinctive statement that gives your car flair. Enthusiasts love it because it doesn't cost much and is relatively easy to add, yet the final effect is quite stunning. Specifics depend on your car and the exact placement of the neon lighting, but the basics of the procedure are more or less standardized.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Neon lighting
• Washable marker
• Drill
• Screw driver
• In-line fuse

1. Decide where you want to add the neon custom lighting. You need to keep the lights clear of excessive heat (such as the engine generates), moving parts, the exhaust system and the fuel line. Also, keep any other nearby components in mind, such as wiring from the electrical system, as you may need to work around them without damaging them as you add your neon lighting.

2. Disconnect the negative terminal on your car battery to make sure there is no electricity flowing through the vehicle.

3. Fit the neon lighting into place on the car where you want to add it, and mark the spots where the mounting brackets will go with a washable marker. Check the area to make sure the brackets will not puncture any wiring, brake lines or key components of the car when you mount them.

4. Mount the brackets using a drill or screwdriver, aligning them to the spots you have marked on the chassis.

5. Secure the transformer in place in the engine compartment. Specifics will vary according to the kit you are using, but it should be somewhere near the battery and connected securely to a non-moving part of the car (the frame).

6. Connect the transformer to the neon lighting circuit as per the instructions in your kit. Again, details may differ depending on the kit and car you are using.

7. Connect the power wire on the transformer to the positive terminal on your battery. You will usually want to use an in-line fuse for this, attached as close to the battery as you possibly can.

8. Secure the ground wire of the transformer to a metal part of the car frame using a screwdriver or drill. Do not attach it to anything made of plastic or fiberglass--only solid metal.

9. Run wiring for the on/off switch through a grommet in the engine firewall and into the dash. Keep the on/off switch for the neon separate from the on/off switch for the lights (it's illegal to merge them in most states). The switch and fuses should be between the transformer and the power supply.

10. Mount the on/off switch to a convenient part of the dash, where it will not block your view of the instruments or interfere with your driving.

11. Reconnect the battery and test your neon custom lighting to make sure it works.

Tips & Warnings

• When you add custom neon lighting, do so under the watch of a trained mechanic or someone who knows what he's doing.
• If you seal the holes created by the mounting brackets with some form of waterproof sealant it will prevent rust to the car and help keep the mounting brackets firmly in place.
• Some areas have laws restricting the placement of neon custom lighting on a car. Check that you are in accordance with them before you add any neon.